Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Zappone was right to raise the issue of the head 17(5) because it was raised with us in almost every submission in July. We note what those on the panel have said in response and this is something of which we are conscious as parliamentarians.

I wish to follow up on the issue of appointment and how one goes about selecting potential commissioners. Some people have suggested that the inclusion of more specific criteria in the Bill to guide the panel in its selection might be helpful. What is the panel's view? The panel members have indicated that they want a broad range of criteria. I believe that such criteria might limit or in some way restrict the choice.